By: Dr. Laura Wilhelm, LauraWil Intercultural
West Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 2/13/21 – Literary adaptations are a staple of the international film industry! Hollywood has produced more than its share of bookish blockbusters ranging from Gone With the Wind to The Godfather.
The international literary roots of some American films remain well hidden from many, however. Here are five major and minor classics that come highly recommended for COVID-19 viewing!
Sunset Boulevard (1950)–The now-iconic role of Norma Desmond is said to have been based upon the reclusive Miss Havisham from Charles Dickens’ 1861 novel GREAT EXPECTATIONS. Directed by Billy Wilder. Stars Gloria Swanson and William Holden.
Apocalypse Now (1979)–Loosely based upon Joseph Conrad’s 1899 novella Heart of Darkness. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Stars Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, and Martin Sheen.
Valley Girl (1983)–Loosely based upon William Shakespeare’s 1597 play Romeo and Juliet. Directed by Martha Coolidge. Stars Nicholas Cage and Deborah Foreman.
Ruby in Paradise (1993)–Loosely based upon Jane Austen’s 1817 novel NORTHANGER ABBEY. Directed by Victor Nunez. Stars Ashley Judd and Dorothy Lyman.
Clueless (1995)–Loosely based upon Jane Austen’s 1815 novel EMMA. Directed by Amy Heckerling. Stars Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd.
